Check network security.....

[danger55]

I've just set up a simple network for file sharing between my main pc and my MCE pc and internet access for both. It's basically .....
internet -> modem ->switch -> then from one port to main pc and another to mce pc (...is this actually the best way..?)

It's the first network I've done and was wondering what is the best application to test out whether it's secure and if my files can be accessed from the outside?

[DDH]

danger55,

Sounds like a pretty standard way of doing things. This model keeps the independence of each PC, and allows you to add more easily.

You will likely want some sort of firewalling between your PCs and the big wide WWW. A simple way to do this is by turning on Windoze firewall option, and make sure you have up to date virus protection. With those two you should be fine, they cover the basics.

[danger55]

I haven't used windows firewall for some time now as I usually rely on my modems firewall and have never had any issues with it. I just recall reading somewhere that it's better to have a static ip on both the main pc and the other pc and that by doing that, the config that I'm using may expose the network.

..but then again as I said before, this is quite new to me.

[ozbear]

Make sure that your modem has NAT (Network Address Translation) and that it is turned on.

I mention this only because I used to have a separate modem and router before going to a combined modem/router. If I had just plugged my old modem into the existing switch that feeds the rest of the PC's in the house they would have been exposed since my old modem did not provide NAT (although the old router did).

Oz

[danger55]

Good one...thanks mate. I'll check when I get home

By the way, that is by far the best avatar ever!!! LOL

[AlbyZ]

Originally Posted by danger55

By the way, that is by far the best avatar ever!!! LOL

I have to disagree with you there. This is the best Avatar...

(should ask him, he loves that....) *duck*

Alby